Electrons In Solids

As a continuation of classical condensed matter physics texts, this graduate textbook introduces advanced topics of correlated electron systems, mesoscopic transport,quantum computing, optical excitations and topological insulators. The book is focusing on an intuitive understanding of the basic concepts of these rather complex subjects.

Electrons in Solids, Second Edition: An Introductory Survey introduces the reader to electrons in solids and covers topics ranging from particles and waves to the free electron model, energy bands, and junctions. Optical and electrical properties are also discussed, along with magnetic properties. The wavelike properties of all of matter are chosen as an integrating theme into which to weave such themes as crystal lattice vibrations (with their effect on electron mobility and electrical and thermal conductivity), electromagnetic waves (with their effect on optical reflection and absorption), and electronic transport in solids (with its dependence on the wavelike properties of electrons). This book is comprised of 11 chapters and begins with an overview of particles and waves, together with classical views of electrons, light, and energy. The general properties of waves are then discussed, with particular reference to traveling waves, standing waves, transverse waves, and longitudinal waves. Lattice waves, light waves, and matter waves are also considered. The reader is also introduced to wave equations, boundary conditions, and general wave properties. The remaining chapters are devoted to optical, electrical, and magnetic properties as well as junctions, including metal-metal junctions, metal-semiconductor junctions, and metal-semiconductor junctions. This monograph is intended for undergraduates and first-year graduate students with a background primarily in materials science, metallurgy, or one of the other engineering disciplines.

Electronics in Solids: An Introductory Survey presents a modern picture of electrons in solids using wave properties as the integrating theme of the conceptual background. It looks at lattice waves, light waves, and electron waves—along with their particle-like correlatives, phonons, photons, and electrons. The first chapters of the book provide a background on wave equations, boundary conditions, and general wave properties for the student so that the transition to the nonclassical world of quantum mechanics can be more easily assimilated. The last chapters examine optical properties, electrical properties, junctions, and magnetic properties of solids. This book is written for students of quantum mechanics and those examining the electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of solids, without relying too much on advanced knowledge on atomic or solid-state physics.

This textbook sets out to enable readers to understand fundamental aspects underlying quantum macroscopic phenomena in solids, primarily through the modern experimental techniques and results. The classic independent-electrons approach for describing the electronic structure in terms of energy bands helps explain the occurrence of metals, insulators and semiconductors. It is underlined that superconductivity and magnetism can only be understood by taking into account the interactions between electrons. The text recounts the experimental observations that have revealed the main properties of the superconductors and were essential to track its physical origin. While fundamental concepts are underlined, those which are required to describe the high technology applications, present or future, are emphasized as well. Problem sets involve experimental approaches and tools which support a practical understanding of the materials and their behaviour.

This Third Edition of ELECTRONS IN SOLIDS: AN INTRODUCTORY SURVEY, is the result of a thorough re-examination of the entire text, incorporating suggestions and corrections by students and professors who have used the text. Explanations and descriptions have been expanded, and additional information has been added on high Tc superconductors, diamond films, "buckminsterfullerenes," and thin magnetic materials. Adopted by many colleges and universities, this text has proven to be a solid introduction to the electrical, optical and magnetic properties of materials. Contains comprehensive coverage of electronic properties in metals, semiconductors, and insulators at a fundamental level Stresses the use of wave properties as an integrating theme for the discussion of phonons, photons, and electrons Includes a complete set of illustrative problems along with exercises and answers Features a careful indication of both Gaussian and SI unit systems

Primarily aiming to give undergraduate students an introduction to solid state physics, Physics of Electrons in Solids explains the properties of solids through the study of non-interacting electrons in solids. While each chapter contains a qualitative introduction to the main ideas behind solid state physics, it also provides detailed calculations of utmost importance to graduate students.The introductory chapters contain crystallographic and quantum prerequisites. The central chapters are devoted to the quantum states of an independent electron in a crystal and to the equilibrium properties of conductors, insulators, and semiconductors. The final chapters contain insights into the assumptions made throughout, briefly describing the origin of ferromagnetism and superconductivity. The book ends with exercises and solutions based on a physics course taught by the author at École Polytechnique.

The Electronic Structures of Solids aims to provide students of solid state physics with the essential concepts they will need in considering properties of solids that depend on their electronic structures and idea of the electronic character of particular materials and groups of materials. The book first discusses the electronic structure of atoms, including hydrogen atom and many-electron atom. The text also underscores bonding between atoms and electrons in metals. Discussions focus on bonding energies and structures in the solid elements, eigenstates of free-electron gas, and electrical conductivity. The manuscript reviews the presence of electrons in metals, as well as consequences of the periodic potential; Brillouin zones and the nearly-free-electron model; electronic structures of the metallic elements; and calculation of band structures. The text also ponders on metals, insulators, and semiconductors. Topics include full and empty bands, compound and doped semiconductors, optical properties of solids, and the dynamics of electron and holes. The book is a dependable reference for readers and students of solid state physics interested in the electronic structure of solids.

A graduate-level book about the propagation of electromagnetic fields and their interaction with condensed matter.